Pro skier Matilda Rapaport, 30, has died after being caught in an avalanche in Chile while filming promotional material for Ubisoft’s new game, Steep.
The International Business Times reported that the Swedish extreme skier was staying in Chile and had gone out onto the slopes for filming when a “major snowstorm caused the fatal avalanche to occur — its descent quickly engulfing the skier.”
The avalanche occurred on July 14, and Rapaport held on for several days before succumbing to her injuries.
In a statement, Rapaport sponsor Red Bull noted that fans around the world have been offering words of support, hoping she might pull through. In addition, Red Bull officials said: “Matilda was an extraordinary athlete, travelling the world to follow her passion, ride steep terrain, and share her bright smile. But her favorite pastime remained spending time with her friends in Engelberg, Switzerland, and with her family of equally talented professional skiers in Sweden.”
In a statement to GameSpot, Ubisoft officials said: “Matilda’s courage, passion, and desire to share the sport she loved with the world served as an inspiration for other athletes and for us all. This tragic accident has deeply touched us. Our hearts and prayers go out to her husband and her wider family at this difficult time.”
The new winter sports title from Ubisoft is slated for launch at the end of this year for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC. There’s no word on whether Rapaport’s death might alter those release plans.
Finally, IBT noted that Rapaport posted this video on Instagram from her lodge just hours before the accident that claimed her life. Several fans have posted messages of condolences and “RIP.”
